The annual survey, conducted by The Progress & Freedom Foundation (PFF) and the Center for Digital Government, documents progress made by states in adopting digital technologies to improve delivery of services to citizens. Results of the 2001 survey are published in the report, The Digital State 2001, sponsored by Compaq Computer Corp.

Illinois tied for 1st place with Kansas in the survey. Washington ranked 3rd. Maine tied for 5th place with Arizona, filling out the top five rankings in 2001. Illinois ranked 1st in the category of Education and earned top-three rankings in four other categories. Lassman, author of the report, noted that overall Illinois jumped from 4th place in 2000.

“In 2001 Illinois was very successful at deploying digital technology in government,” said Lassman, who also directs PFF’s Digital Policy Network, which focuses on how the digital revolution affects state governments. “We are happy to honor Illinois’ efforts.”

Lassman noted that Illinois has adopted digital technologies for many state activities. More than 1500 digital services are deployed across seven state agencies, 65 municipalities and six colleges and universities to provide real-time access to vehicle, warrant, firearm and criminal information.

“I’m proud to accept this award on behalf of all the people who worked so hard moving Illinois from 49th to first in the nation in just three years,” Governor Ryan said. “We have created a foundation of technology that will serve the state well for many years to come, and I can assure the people of Illinois we will continue our focus of using technology to make government more effective and efficient.”

The Progress & Freedom Foundation is a market-oriented think tank that studies the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. It is a 501(c)(3) research & educational organization.